The HEALTH | July-August . 2024

MMI calls for increased healthcare workers ’ salaries in the upcoming Healthcare Financing Reform

“ Low remuneration is one of the causes of healthcare professionals leaving service in the public sector ,” said MMA President Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz .

“ This causes the public hospitals to lose expertise . Private hospitals are willing to pay for the best and will absorb the best doctors .”

Malaysia ’ s medical practitioners are still operating under a fee schedule established in the 1980s .

This has led to significant regulation of doctors ’ fees . In 2019 , there was a push to deregulate fees , a move that was expected to provide more flexibility and potentially increase doctors ’ earnings .

However , the policy was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic , which diverted resources and attention to the immediate healthcare crisis .

The MMA underscores the critical need for a prompt review of this fee schedule to ensure it is in line with current practices and fosters a sustainable healthcare market .

Enhancing specialist training programmes is critical to meet the demand for more specialists in the healthcare system , with universities expected to produce more specialists through clinical master ’ s training .

However , high competition and limited opportunities pose challenges .

It is proposed that specialists from the private sector be leveraged for training programmes .

This would involve these specialists , who often have extensive experience and knowledge , taking on teaching roles in universities or other training institutions .

Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad

THE reforms proposed in the government ’ s Health White Paper ( HWP ) focus on requiring healthcare providers to itemise all costs in medical bills , including consultation fees , procedures , and medication .

Through an improved understanding of service costs , consumers will be better equipped to evaluate costs from various providers and choose healthcare options that fit their budgets .

Commencing Jan 1 , 2025 , Insurance and Takaful Operators ( ITOs ) will be mandated to present consumers with a Product Disclosure Sheet detailing the breakdown of insurance coverage and co-payment

By doing so , they can help to ensure an adequate supply of specialists in Malaysia while potentially increasing their earnings .

Additionally , Malaysian Medics International ( MMI ) has called for increased healthcare workers ’ salaries in the upcoming Healthcare Financing Reform .

MMI advocates for transparency

obligations .

This document will ensure that customers have clear and transparent information about their insurance options , including the associated costs and benefits of co-payment features , fostering a sense of fairness and security .

Another important aspect of the proposed reforms is the requirement for insurers to offer cost estimates prior to services . This will allow consumers to plan their healthcare expenses .

Insurers are also expected to disclose any financial assistance programmes available to policyholders and provide clear guidelines on what factors are considered when assessing financial and accountability from the MOH and underscores the vital role of involving future doctors in discussions to inject fresh perspectives into the discourse .

Under the MOH , Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is planning reforms to optimise the utilisation of the government ’ s annual budget , address underfunding , and enhance the healthcare system . – The HEALTH

hardship . This information should be easily accessible , either in policy documents or on their websites .

Consumers will also receive detailed information on how to apply for a co-payment waiver , including the required documents , submission procedures , and the expected timeline for decision-making .

Transparency in communication regarding the status of waiver requests and reasons for any denials is crucial .

This not only helps build trust with policyholders but also ensures accountability and enables customers to understand and be involved in the decision-making process .